Best Horses for Heavy Riders

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: December 30th, 2022

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Contrary to popular belief, heavy-set riders can enjoy riding horses without any issues. Sure, some mounts cannot bear the extra weight and might end up hurt, but not all horses are equal. While no horse can safely support excessive weight on their back, some breeds that excel in hard work thanks to their strength and stature can be a good choice for plus-size riders. Thanks to their unique traits, they are ideal mounts for heavy riders, as they will maintain their balance under the added weight, and won’t lose stamina or endurance. So, if you are of a heavier build, here are which breeds you need to consider. Read on as we discover the world of strong and stout horses, and the prerequisites for riding one – here’s our list of the 10 best horses for heavy riders.

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#1 Clydesdale Horse

When it comes to horses for heavy riders, you cannot overlook the powerful and popular Clydesdale Horse. Originating in Scotland, around the river Clyde, this horse breed was developed for hard work. This included farming, pulling loads, and other heavy tasks. Of course, such work requires plenty of strength and stability, and Clydesdale has it all. Today, they are known for their beautiful looks, with long manes and lovely feathers. They are calm, very smart, and eager to work. For an average heavy rider, all this comes as ideal – the horse will easily carry your weight and is sure-footed and balanced besides. Also, they are known for their unique and comfortable gait, so you are ensured a comfy ride as well. Caring for a Clydesdale, however, requires plenty of work – and plenty of food too!

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#2 Friesian Horse

One of the most famous and loved horse breeds in the world, the Friesian horse won’t fail to take your breath away with its charming appearance. Large and muscular, with striking black colors and a shiny coat, long flowing manes, and curly feathering, these animals are built to stun you with their looks. Originally, however, they are very strong working horses. As such, they won’t have the slightest issue with carrying a heavier rider on their back. Interestingly, they are amongst the lightest of draft horses but are immensely strong nonetheless. In the past, these were highly sought-after war horses. If you are looking for a horse to carry you (not into battle) with relative ease, then you should definitely consider a Friesian. They are also smart, easy-going, and eager to please their owner.

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#3 Shire Horse

The Shire horse is one of the largest, heaviest, tallest, and most powerful horse breeds in the entire world. With an average height of 173 centimeters, they will definitely tower over other, more slender breeds. Originating in Britain, these horses hold many world records for their impressive size. Of course, they were developed primarily to be able to complete difficult jobs, but also to pull carts, and carry riders. As such, they are versatile – but primarily working – animals. For a heavy rider, however, a Shire horse is a dream come true. They will carry most riders with ease, especially when you consider that the Shire horse can weigh up to 1100 kilograms on average! That is quite the weight for a horse, certainly, and it requires a lot of strength and stamina - both of which these horses have in abundance. Besides, they are generally well-tempered, balanced, and have a surefooted gait. Great for some casual and enjoyable riding!

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#4 Irish Draught Horse

Considered the national horse breed of Ireland, the Irish Draught boasts incredible stature and strength. Like other such horses, they have been developed a long time ago, primarily for heavy farm work, when farmers depended on horses for pulling the plow. Today, the Irish Draught is somewhat rarer than other such breeds but is nonetheless loved in Ireland and elsewhere. They are very tall and heavy, but perfectly muscular and elegant. To carry all that muscle, these horses boast fantastic stamina and pulling strength, and will be the ideal mount for heavy riders. Getting your hands on one, however, might be a challenge, as pure Irish Draughts can be difficult to find and with a heavy price tag. But either way, they might be the pitch-perfect mount for any heavy riders looking to enjoy the experience with absolute ease.

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#5 Percheron Horse

Seeing the images of a full-size Percheron can quickly take your breath away. Stunning, powerful, muscular, enormous but endlessly elegant, these French-bred horses are the true image of sheer power. Developed long ago for purposes of war and farm work, these animals evolved into some of the strongest horses in existence. The Percheron boasts incredible stature – at most, they can weigh around 1,200 kilos and have a height of 193 centimeters. In the equine world, this is considered truly gigantic. These animals are considered quite easy to keep, thanks to their laidback attitude, their readiness to work, and their hardy health. Of course, all that size comes with tons of strength. While they are best at pulling things, they are equally good for riding too. Even the heaviest of riders will sit snuggly atop a Percheron, feeling tiny all the while. Interestingly, the Percheron can be a good family horse, as they are considered to be true “gentle giants” – they love being around kids, animals, and friendly people. What’s not to like?

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#6 Cleveland Bay Horse

No, this is not an American breed – the Cleveland in its name refers to the Yorkshire district of the same name, in England. These powerful horses originated here long ago, bred as pack animals and for pulling coaches and carts. They are the oldest established breed in England. The secret to the strength and power of these horses is in their physique – the breed has slightly shorter legs in comparison to the body, and as such is well-built, stocky, and strong. The horses have good stamina and strength and can carry heavy riders with little issues. At one time, even the late Queen Elizabeth was the president of the Cleveland Bay horse society. They are so admired in England and can be rare and expensive to acquire. But even so, this old and established breed has all the prerequisites to excel as the versatile and balanced mount for the heavier rider.

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#7 Suffolk Punch Horse

We are again in England, this time in the region of Suffolk, where this distinct and incredibly large horse breed emerged far back in history. “Punch” is an old English term that denotes a stout and stocky person or animal. That is exactly what these horses are – strong, stocky, and hardy, with great power and a muscular, looming appearance. The Suffolk Punch is a true draft horse: they are chubby, powerful, muscular, and stocky, with great endurance and mild temperament. In England, they are known as “good doers”, meaning that they are easy to keep and maintain, and that they require little food. They can be great for casual riding as well, contrary to popular belief. Especially for heavier riders. Thanks to their low center of gravity, their balanced but energetic gait, and their eagerness to work and pull, these horses have everything that a good mount needs. All that remains is to get your hands on one, which might not be an easy thing. Either way, the Suffolk Punch is one of the best horses for heavy riders.

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#8 Irish Cob Horse

The Irish Cob, also known as the Gypsy Vanner, is a unique Irish breed of a draught horse, known for its unique charm and great stature. In appearance, they are most similar to Clydesdales and Shire horses, and other draught breeds. They were first bred for doing heavy work, and pulling predominantly Gypsy caravans. That’s where their name comes from. Their coat colors are usually mixed, giving them a unique, patchy appearance, and they are well known for their kind, laid-back, and friendly demeanor. When purebred, the Irish Cob can grow to a considerable height, boasting good stature, stamina, and strength. For heavier riders, they are an exceptional mount. The Irish Cob has a smooth gait, great balance, and is surefooted. That is all that a good mount needs to have. They will require some maintenance, however: they have long flowing manes, long “bangs”, and excessive feathering on their feet. It is a big part of their charm, and you definitely want to maintain it.

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#9 Highland Pony

Originating in the rugged Highlands of Scotland, the Highland Pony is considered the largest of all the mountain and moorland horse breeds in Britain. With a pedigree reaching far back in the past, this breed is well-established in Scotland and is a direct glimpse into the rugged nature of that country. The Highland Pony is a curious mix between a pony and a draught horse. They are stocky, stout, chubby, hardy, and very strong. A very tough animal, they rarely require shoeing, they adapt to many environments and are considered quite economical to keep. Their legs are much shorter in relation to their body, and that gives them plenty of balance. Being a Highland breed, they are very surefooted on rough ground, and that can be a big advantage for heavy riders, where balance and stability are very important. However, finding a true purebred Highland Pony can require some work, as they are not as common as they once were.

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#10 Belgian Draught Horse

One of the strongest of the heavy horse breeds, the Belgian Draught Horse originated in the Brabant region of Belgium. A true draught, this is an animal developed solely for hard work. They are very strong, immensely powerful, enduring, and charismatic. For pulling plows, and carts, and doing hard work, these horses are unparalleled. But they are also quite good for riding as well, especially if you are a heavy rider. The true giants of the equine world, they seldom find a task that they cannot complete. Their demeanor is calm and easygoing, although some stallions might be spirited. Of course, the Belgian Draught is eager to please and to work, as is firmly rooted in its genetics. And, being so squat and heavy, these horses will maintain their balance even with a very heavy rider in the saddle. That means that you can enjoy the thrill of the ride – without worries of burdening your mount or losing balance in a critical moment or in rough terrain.

What is the Weight Limit for a Horse Rider?

One of the most popular questions amongst heavy riders is related to the abilities of a horse. How much weight can a horse carry without being strained or overburdened? There are many theories around, but one rule of thumb is always applicable. A horse can safely carry around 20% of its body weight. So, for example, if you weigh 250 lbs (113 kgs), you would need a mount that weighs 1,250 lbs (around 550 kgs). It all boils down to simple math. And once you realize that some of the mounts on our list can weigh more than 1,000 kilos (2,200 lbs), then you know that there is plenty to choose from and that every rider will find their own mount.

Still, there are some logical boundaries to respect. If you are a plus-size person, but still have that desire to ride, it might not be the safest choice to do so. For plus-size persons, balance is often tricky, and that is an important thing to have when in the saddle. Besides the chance of burdening your mount, you can also potentially fall off and injure yourself if you happen to lose balance. It is always the safest option to find the middle ground and to respect your own abilities – and those of the mount.

In the end, most specialists agree that the uppermost weight limit for a rider is 300 lbs (137 kilos). Anything beyond that is a risk to a horse’s well-being, as they might end up seriously hurt.

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Sure, sharing your life with a dog is fun and your days are filled with love, but sometimes, it can get messy. Like, real messy. After all, even though we love them, dogs are not the neatest of animals out there (that title would go to kitties, I’m afraid). In the daily life of a dog owner, there is bound to be a bit of dirt, hair, and - inevitably, poop – to clean up after your pet. And as if picking up poop from the street after your pet wasn’t bad enough, sometimes accidents happen inside your home, and the messes are that much harder to clean. Especially when you’re dealing with diarrhea and not your regular ole poop situation. But even though it’s far from pleasant to clean up after, it’s not the end of the world if an accident happens. While it can be difficult to thoroughly clean dog diarrhea embedded in the carpet fibers, everything can be cleaned if you are persistent enough – and know how to approach the issue. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you clean dog diarrhea from carpet – stains and smell both.How to Clean Dog Diarrhea from Carpet: Step by StepNow, keep in mind that cleaning dog diarrhea from a carpet can be a messy task, but it's important to clean it thoroughly and as quickly as possible to prevent lasting stains and lingering odors. Even if you are disgusted by the sight before you, it is necessary to keep at it until the job’s done. Someone has to do it, right? And we all know it ain’t gonna be your pooch.So, first things first, you’ll need to gather supplies. It is always good to have them handy and keep them stored in a secure cabinet. You never know when an accident can happen and they will be needed, so be sure to be stocked on  pet-safe cleaning supplies (if you’re not already, now is a perfect time to pick up all of your basic necessities). 

Scientists Uncover Secrets of Extinct "Wooly Dog" Breed

Throughout history, dogs have played several key roles in the lives of people globally. They have hunted, worked, and provided for us, forever weaving them into the fabric of human existence. We often use this knowledge to better understand our modern dogs by reflecting on their original purpose as a breed. Unfortunately, not every breed continues to thrive among us today.The Coast Salish wooly dog was a unique breed, kept by the First Nations people throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Vancouver Island, for its fleece-like coat. A new study reveals insights into the history of the now-extinct breed.Unlike most animals at that time in history, the dog was kept in pens and longhouses. This was done to prevent the dogs from mixing with village and hunting dogs, preserving the breed and the fleece it provided.“They were sheared like sheep, and the wool was woven into blankets,” recounted Eliot White-Hill of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. “Blankets were like currency in our economy prior to contact and some of the most important things you could own and give away as gifts.”The dogs were fed a diet of fish and elk and were seen as beloved family members.“It’s not just a dog – it’s a relative. It has enormous spiritual power, conveyed in its wool,” explained Michael Pavel, an elder of the Skokomish-Twana tribe and one of the study's authors. “Imagine being able to receive the gift of wool fiber, being able to learn to weave that into yarn, into an entity, or a blanket or robe that you could wrap yourself in the coldest of winter and feel the warmth of those prayers. That’s how we look at it, and we can now enjoy a scientific view, as well.”Unfortunately, the breed did not survive colonization. It’s not clear exactly what caused the demise of the Coast Salish wooly dog – the introduction of European dog breeds, rules enforced on First Nations people during assimilation and displacement, or smallpox epidemics being a few of the hypothesized factors.But thanks to the preserved pelt of a wooly dog named Mutton, who died in 1859, researchers can now learn a little more about the unique DNA of the dog, its lineage, and insight into the breeding practices of local Indigenous communities.Researchers compared DNA from Mutton’s pelt to that of a separate non-wooly village dog that lived and died in the same region at approximately the same time.While the information gathered from the study did not offer any conclusive answers about the disappearance of the breed, it did hypothesize that the Indian Act of 1876 played a critical role as it would have directly impacted the ability of Indigenous women to pass on valuable knowledge about caring for the dogs and weaving necessary to its survival.On a positive note, the study did support historical facts shared by First Nations people in that area – a valuable piece of the puzzle as many work to reclaim the traditions of their ancestors.“It brought a large group of people together that reaffirmed for us the history we know,” stated Violet Elliott, also of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. “It was a gift of collaboration with other nations.”

Dog-Killing Flatworm Discovered in California

Fleas and ticks aren’t the only parasites that dog owners have to fear in southern California this summer. Scientists from the University of California, Riverside, are warning dog owners to keep their pooches out of the water this summer after they have discovered a potentially deadly parasite.A deadly flatworm species that has previously only existed in Texas and other Golf Coast states, has made its way to the west coast and is now present in the portion of the Colorado River that runs through California. The worm, Heterobilharzia americana, is a flatworm commonly known as the liver fluke. The parasite can cause canine schistosomiasis, an illness that affects the liver and intestine of dogs. Although treatment options are available once the dog becomes infected, they aren’t always effective leaving vets no other option than to euthanize the dog. “Dogs can die from this infection, so we are hoping to raise public awareness that it’s there,” said Adler Dillman, a nematology professor at the University of California, Riverside. “If you’re swimming in the Colorado River with them, your pets are in peril.” After learning about several cases of infection in local dogs, professor Dillman and his research team headed to Blythe, a border town in Riverside County. All of the sick dogs have spent time there, swimming in the river.Since snails are responsible for transmitting the infection, researchers collected more than 2,000 along the banks of the Colorado River. The team used DNA testing to identify the snails and the flatworm.The team was astonished to find not one, but two species of snail that can carry the parasite!“We actually found two species of snail that can support H. americana in the river in Blythe and we found both snails actively shedding this worm,” said Dillman, according to UC Riverside News. “Not only was it a surprise to find H. americana, we also didn’t know that the snails were present here.”The flatworm first makes its way into the snail's body, traveling through its system. Once transformed, it moves out to find a mammal host to infect. Without a host, the parasite can’t survive more than 24 hours on its own. Dogs and raccoons are particularly susceptible to becoming infected after coming into contact with water, whether from drinking or swimming in it. The worm gets inside the veins of the intestinal lining, where it develops into an adult and mates. The presence of adults in the veins isn’t as problematic as the eggs that get into the lungs, spleen, liver, and heart. The dog’s immune system reacts by forming clusters of cells, called granulomas. In time, the organ tissues stop functioning.It may take several months for a dog to show any signs of the infection. Symptoms start slowly and include loss of appetite, and progress to vomiting, diarrhea, profound weight loss, and signs of liver disease. “If your dog has these symptoms after swimming in the Colorado River, it’s a good precaution to ask your veterinarian for a simple fecal test,” said Emily Beeler, a veterinarian with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “Treatment typically involves use of multiple medications and close monitoring of the dog by a veterinarian.”Although potentially deadly for our canine companions, this parasite can’t cause the same issues in humans. “ It can cause swimmers itch, a red rash where it penetrates human skin. But it’s not able to cause an infection,” Dillman explained.Steer clear of bodies of water that could contain infected snails to prevent your pooch from catching flatworms. If your pooch can’t resist taking a dip, monitor them for symptoms of flatworm infection in the weeks afterward. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Dog Rescued After Surviving a 60-foot Fall from Michigan Cliff

A family’s trip to one of Michigan’s most beautiful landmarks almost ended tragically, when their dog took a tumble from a cliff. The adventurous dog, named Dancer, was rescued after surviving a 60-foot fall from a cliff and spending a freezing night alone in the wilderness. The three-year-old pooch had escaped her leash and plunged off a steep cliff near Miners Castle, in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area in Munising, Michigan. The lakeshore runs alongside Lake Superior and is located in Michigan’s Upper Penninsula. The National Park Service (NPS) shared in a news release that Dancer fell 60 feet off a cliff to a ledge below. The dog’s owners spent hours searching the area but were unable to find the dog and were convinced that she didn’t survive the fall. Rangers at the nearby Pictured Rocks Park received a message about the lost pooch and decided to enlist the help of Superior High Angle Rescue Professionals (SHARP), a local rope rescue team, to search for the dog. The following morning SHARP members Erik Olsen, Westley Shaffer, and Tyler Davis went to the area and were able to find Dancer, who was cold, but alive. “Though she has spent the night trying to keep warm, she was excited to see the rescuers,” the service wrote. Dancer, who was described as a “professional troublemaker” didn’t have any reported injuries. The lucky pooch has since been reunited with her family and is recovering well after spending the night alone in the wilderness. The park service noted that Dancer was extremely lucky and although her story has a happy ending, her fall should serve as a reminder to everyone that areas of Pictured Rocks can get very cold and extremely slippery.“With this year’s mild start to winter, many areas of Pictured Rocks are more accessible than they are most years,” Chief Ranger Joe Hughes explained. “It is still important to remember to be prepared for slippery, cold conditions that can change quickly.”Whether you’re planning to hit a local trail with your pooch or are planning a trip to a state park, keep your pooch on a leash. Make sure that your pup’s harness is fitted properly so that your pooch can’t wiggle out of it, even if it tries. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

28-pound Cat Named 'One Frosty Too Many' Finds a Forever Home

A morbidly obese cat found wandering the streets in Virginia has found a forever home after Richmond Animal Care and Control shelter posted a funny adoption ad on their Facebook page.Tipping the scales at 28.5 pounds the shelter named the chubby feline ‘One Frosty Too Many’ or Frosty for short, after Wendy’s frozen treats. “You know we love a cat with a belly, and lord almighty this one has the best belly in town. Meet One Frosty Too Many,” wrote the shelter on its Facebook page. The shelter described the cat as 28.5 pounds of pudge with a side of crankiness. “As long as you let him do what he wants when he wants, everything is fine; still we recommend you proceed with caution.”The person who brought Frosty to the shelter said he found the chubby cat roaming the streets of Richmond, shared shelter director Christie Peters. The cat was morbidly obese but was otherwise in good general health. “We put him on a strict low-calorie diet and he wasn’t too happy about that,” said Peters, estimating that Frosty is about two years old. “Because he was cranky, we kept telling him he’ll feel a lot better when he loses weight.”Frosty’s adoption ad garnered a lot of attention, and many were interested in adopting the chubby tabby. However, one woman beat everyone to it and took Frosty home. Maggie Thompson, her husband, and two sons were on the way home to Stafford when she saw the Facebook post about Frosty. “I thought, ‘Oh, I want that cat,’” said Thomson, who owns a pet-sitting business, according to The Washington Post. She persuaded her husband, Mike, to stop in Richmond so they could visit the shelter and ask about adopting Frosty.As soon as she met Frosty, she knew that she couldn’t go home without him. “He got on my lap and started purring,” said Maggie. “With animals, they pick you. You just know when it’s right, and they do, too.”Thomson’s sons, Mickey and Andy, were ecstatic they’d be taking home a chubby cat. The family already has two cats, Rose and Wolfie, which are around one year old. “They are under seven pounds each - less than 14 pounds together,” said Thompson. “But I had a feeling they’d all get along just fine and become friends.”After Thompson filled out adoption papers, the shelter staff explained to her that Frosty would need to follow a strict diet and eat low-calorie cat food twice a day until he’d dropped half his body weight. The shelter didn’t have a large enough carrier for Frosty, so they placed him in a dog crate. “We put him in the back of the car, and he didn’t protest at all. He was a good rider and was pretty quiet the whole trip,” said Thomson. When they arrived home, Thomson placed the family’s newest addition into a spare room for a few days to gradually introduce him to their other two cats.Thomson decided that their new cat deserves a new name, one that won’t be associated with desserts. “We’ve decided to call him Gus. That’s what he looks like to me. I now call him Gussie, and he responds well to that.”Gus has adjusted nicely to his new home and loves lounging on the bottom level of a cat tree. Thomson plans to start a weight-loss journey page for Gus on Facebook to track his progress.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Expats May Need to Leave their Pets Behind as Travel Costs Skyrocket

Animal travel has always been expensive, but it’s about to become unaffordable for many pet lovers. Pet owners moving abroad may be forced to leave their pets behind after animal travel costs have gone up by as much as 400 percent!IAG Cargo, a sister company to British Airways, Vueling, and Aer Lingus, has recently announced that it was raising travel prices along some routes beginning March 1. This unexpected move shocked pet owners with relocation plans, particularly those moving to and from Britain and the United States. “To reflect the complexities of this bespoke service and the cost of providing the very best care for pets traveling as cargo, we have made some amendments to our prices,” a spokesperson for IAG Cargo said in a statement. This shipping company is mostly used by military personnel to move their pets abroad while deployed. After three years at their duty station in the UK, Sara and her family are moving back to the U.S. The family’s two dogs, Bentley and Ghost, are booked on a British Airways flight on 1 March.Under the current policy, IAG Cargo only accepts a booking for a pet transfer up to six weeks before the flight. The company then confirms the space has been requested. Two weeks before the flight, once the planes have been scheduled on that route, the IAG Cargo confirms the booking, locking in the price.Initially, Sara’s family was quoted $1,450 for a flight from London to Baltimore for both dogs. However, due to the recent price hike, the travel price for the dogs has jumped to $6,500! And that’s without the administration fees and the cost of the agency the family is using to arrange the cargo shipment. “We are paying out of our own pocket for this, and we just bought a house in our new location,” said Sara to BBC. “Our dogs are like our children, we would do anything for them but that doesn’t mean it’s not devastating for our finances.”The family’s shipping agent found another airline that could ship their dogs at a lower price. The catch - they would have to make a seven-hour round trip to collect the dogs from another airport. Sara explained that her dogs are small in size and that she believes people shipping large-size dogs could face shipping costs over $10,000.“I already know a number of people who did not bring their pets [to the UK] because of the costs to bring them one way… People are going to be shocked,” she added.Details about the new pricing and affected routes are still unclear, but some companies that work with IAG Cargo are already seeing the effects. Kimberly Cirone, a director at Pets Abroad UK, a pet relocation company that assists pet owners with travel arrangements and works with airlines, said that the costs of pet transport between Britain and the United States have increased by 400 percent without warning, consideration, or explanation.The unexpected price hike has left many military families in turmoil as they are unable to gather the necessary funds in time to have their pets shipped back home. “It’s a huge amount to organize, and within days or weeks of arriving one of those family members may be sent on to areas of conflict. The dog or cat is hugely important, it is the family’s companion when one partner is away fighting and this will be hugely distressing for them.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Do I Do if My Dog Has a Chipped Tooth?

Discovering that your dog is hurt or in pain is a concerning moment for any pet parent, regardless of the injury. But dental injuries can be particularly stressful. If you have ever experienced a toothache, you understand!Whether your pup chipped a tooth during a rough play session with their best furry friend or while gnawing on a hard chew like a bone or antler, any dental damage must be addressed promptly.Read on to learn how to prioritize your dog’s dental health, including identifying if they may be suffering from a broken or chipped tooth, how to address dental damage and tips for preventing a broken tooth before it happens. Your pup will thank you!Common Signs of a Broken or Chipped ToothThe first step to caring for dental problems is to identify that your dog is experiencing an issue. The signs of dental problems vary considerably. While some dogs won’t show any discomfort, others may demonstrate considerable pain. This is due not only to the difference in a dog’s personality and pain threshold but also the spectrum of injuries that fall under the heading of “dental problems.”Broken teeth can be categorized into three groups:Enamel Fractures: Damage only to the enamel of the tooth.Crown Fractures: Damage extends deeper into the tooth, breaking the crown and exposing the pulp.Root Fractures: The root of the tooth has been broken.Unless you inspect your dog’s teeth regularly and spot a problem, we often have to rely on body language and behavioral changes to know there’s a problem. Unfortunately, dogs are very good at hiding pain, so they may be suffering from a problem for a while before we’re aware that there is an issue.Some of the more common signs of a broken or chipped tooth include:Excessive droolingBloody salivaPawing at their muzzleChewing on one side of the mouthReluctancy to eat and kibble or harder-to-chew itemsRefusal to eat at allAvoiding drinking cold waterGrinding teethSwelling in the faceDiscomfort or reluctance to have muzzle touchedWhining or whimpering Not playing as they would normally Sudden or out-of-character aggressive or anxious behaviorTrembling or shaking

How Do I Know if My Dog is Afraid?

Experts often talk about the importance of reading your dog’s body language to reduce fear, stress, and anxiety. But do you sometimes struggle to identify if your dog is really scared or if you’re just reading into a situation? Many common dog behaviors can be misinterpreted – fear or calm, comfort or stress. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry. We are here to help! This post dives deep into the basics of canine communication and body language. We’ll highlight some of the more subtle body language cues, behavioral changes, and vocalization that you should be looking out for. Plus, we’ll look at the most common situations that trigger fear in dogs, why these situations can be frightening, and how to comfort and support your dog moving forward. What’s the ultimate goal? Ensuring you have the information needed to build your dog’s confidence, improve your communication, and help them enjoy a world free from unnecessary fear and anxiety. Dedicate the time and energy today to set your dog up for long-term success (avoiding potential health complications from too much stress). Common Signs of Fear and Anxiety in Dogs Life as a pet parent would be much easier if our pups could speak up and tell us exactly what they think in each situation. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality we live in. Instead, we must learn to pick up on their non-verbal communication to build a strong and trusting relationship with our furry friends. Here are a few ways they may be trying to tell you that they are feeling “off” or nervous: Body Language One of the most important ways our pets communicate their feelings is through their body language. This includes the way they stand, the way they move, how they hold their ears or their tail, and so much more. Some signs will be obvious, while others will be more subtle. Here are some of the more common signs of fear and stress related to body language: Excessive panting YawningShowing teethLip-licking Puckering of the lips Whale eyes (showing the whites of the eyes)Large, dilated pupils Ears backward or pressed forward Tail up and stiff or down tucked between the legsCowering or standing with the body low to the ground Attempting to hide Displacement behaviors (sneezing, itching)Shaking or trembling Submissive urination Behavior Changes In addition to changes in how your dog stands or positions their body, you may notice some behavioral changes. You may find that your dog tries to back away or avoid their trigger. On the other hand, your dog may become reactive towards a trigger by jumping or lunging at it. Both these reactions signify stress or anxiety, highlighting the importance of getting to know your dog as an individual. For example, we have two male dogs in our house. When presented with a trigger, Lucifer will hold his ground while Indiana tends to back away or hide.You may also notice changes in how your dog reacts to objects or activities in their regular life. Many dogs, even those who are highly food-driven, will be reluctant to eat or take treats when stressed. Vocal Cues Finally, while we are focusing mainly on non-verbal communication, there are some vocalizations that could help you recognize that something is wrong. Dogs who are nervous, anxious, or afraid may bark at their trigger. They may also whine to show that they are uncomfortable.

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